Before we undertook the research for the Flexecutive website last year, I was very interested in job share as a possible way of balancing my career with my role as the mother of a young son, with plans for a further child. With the added bonus of being an Occupational Psychologist, I thought I knew all there was to know about my own psyche. However, I was soon made to think again.
At the time, I was head of assessment with SHL UK, who developed the questionnaire with Flexecutive. It wasnít until we had undertaken the research that I realised that I was probably one of the last people who should be a job sharer. Although it might suit my domestic situation, it certainly didnít suit my personality. I am far too competitive to be an ideal job sharer and would be unlikely to be prepared to share credit and blame with my job share partner. There were a number of other key personality dimensions that suggested I might be more suited to working flexibly, but independently, rather than in a job share role.
The Flexecutive website, www.flexecutive.co.uk houses a psychometric test that produces a report that advises users on what type of flexible working they would be best suited to, depending on their characteristics and motivations. For example, if I was determined to be a job-sharer, despite the advice that I would be better suited to a more independent flexible role, it would advise me on the areas I should focus on to close any gaps.
People rarely match the profile of a ëperfectí job type, so the tool helps to prioritise the areas where focus is required and gives practical and solid suggestions of activities that can be undertaken to increase their effectiveness. For those wishing to take the job share route, it goes on to match them with their perfect job share partner.
www.flexecutive.co.uk
Psychometric analysis can even put the experts to the test
Dr Karen Janman - director of consultancy - Flexecutive
